SCHWENKSVILLE — After fighting a state trooper for control of a firearm, a wanted man jumped into the frigid waters of the Perkiomen Creek before he was apprehended Thursday.

After “spotting” Matthew Dowsett, 22, of Schwenksville, on the 500 block of Main Street at an unspecified time Thursday, a state trooper out of Skippack exited his vehicle and began chasing the man on foot.

“The trooper caught up to Dowsett and a struggle ensued for several minutes,” the release said. “Dowsett ultimately assaulted the trooper and attempted (to) gain control of his firearm.”

Apparently unable to get the gun, Dowsett fled and tried escaping by entering Perkiomen Creek, according to police.

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“Multiple units arrived in the area to assist and a perimeter was set up,” police said.

Dowsett was eventually located “hiding along the banks of the Perkiomen Creek and taken into custody.” He was treated for exposure.

The trooper involved in the struggled and the chase did not suffer any “major injuries,” the release said.

Allegedly admitting to the assault, Dowsett was charged with three felonies: two different counts of aggravated assault and one count of attempting to disarm a police officer. He was additionally charged with misdemeanors including terroristic threats, simple assault and resisting arrest.

His bail was set at $100,000 cash and, in lieu of that, Dowsett was sent to Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

It isn’t clear what Dowsett was wanted for but, according to court documents, a bench warrant was issued in November in connection to a Berks County theft case tied to him.

State police did not return a call for clarification late Thursday.

A similar pursuit occurred in Phoenixville earlier this year, when police there chased a man into French Creek after he was spotted riding in a car while wanted.